18-05-2025
Dialogue is cornerstone for conflict resolution
Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, emphasised the paramount importance of dialogue as an essential instrument for addressing challenges, while highlighting the Sultanate of Oman's unwavering commitment to this indispensable approach - regardless of its complexity - even with parties with whom significant differences may exist. This was stated during Sayyid Badr's address at the Fourth Tehran Dialogue Forum, convened under the auspice of President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The forum brought together foreign ministers, senior government officials, policymakers and thought leaders from across the globe, alongside representatives of regional and international organisations.
The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the importance that the Sultanate of Oman attaches to its existing bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, while simultaneously commending the flexibility, precision and candour that the Iranian counterpart brings to Oman's contributions in regional and international dialogues.
Sayyid Badr particularly focused on the Palestinian cause, describing the violence and genocide endured by the Palestinian people as "a global tragedy that should never have occurred" - one that could have been prevented had opportunities for dialogue been seized. This remark referenced both the refusal of successive Israeli governments to engage in substantive dialogue with the Palestinian side and the international community's failure to exercise effective influence.
He expressed optimism regarding developments emerging in recent months, particularly from the United States of America, which may indicate a shift towards a more realistic and flexible approach regarding potential dialogue partners. The minister noted that this development, though occurring amidst military escalation and immense humanitarian suffering, suggests a renewed willingness for genuine dialogue - even as Tel Aviv continues attempts to circumvent it through escalation on multiple fronts.
Sayyid Badr emphasised that while dialogue is not an easy option, it remains the only viable path to achieving a just settlement. He cited what he termed "the horrific lesson" embodied by the Gaza tragedy when courage to engage in dialogue is absent.
IRAN-US TALKS
Meanwhile, Sayyid Badr met with Dr Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Tehran on Sunday. The two ministers discussed a range of ideas and proposals related to Iran-US negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement that fairly, practically and bindingly addresses the concerns and priorities of both parties while serving regional security and stability.
Additionally, a joint meeting was held between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister; Dr Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran; and Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
During the meeting, the latest developments in the Iran-US talks were discussed within the framework of Oman's mediation efforts.
Both the Omani Foreign Minister and his Iranian counterpart welcomed Qatar's initiative to convene this constructive meeting and consultations on ways to support and enhance dialogue while bridging viewpoints to reach understandings that would lead to the desired agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Such an agreement would contribute to strengthening the foundations of regional and international security and stability. - ONA
